Thanks be to God?? We often end Scripture readings with, “The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.” But “thanks be to God”, for this?? Today’s scripture challenges that verse of Second Timothy which claims, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness….” (2 Tim 3:16). That said, I cannot recognize as God the voice at the start of this passage, who commands a father to kill his son in order to demonstrate ultimate devotion. Taking these verses on the level of fact would ask us to shelve a morality so fundamental that it shows up in the Big Ten: “You shall not murder.” We must question and challenge the divine command here, lest we encourage others to claim God-given license to commit murder. The God we know in Jesus Christ does not ask things like this, so we’re best to be on guard when the Bible starts to make it sound otherwise. Perhaps this story exists not for instruction, but “for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Sometimes instead of a roadmap to follow, the Bible gives us a warning of where not to go. Continue reading “God Provides for Abraham”→

When was the last time you cut open a ripe watermelon? Not the pale pre-cut cubes you get in plastic at the grocery store. I mean a whole huge melon, dark-green from the late summer sun and heavy with juice? Sliding a sharp stainless steel knife into a perfect round melon, you are Galileo, discovering otherworldly beauty. As the sides of a fresh watermelon fall open on the cutting board, the dark pink inside turns itself out for all the earth to marvel at. An aroma of sweet summer rises from the cut, hundreds of black seeds lie hidden in orderly rows, the ripe sugars are already almost in crystal form, and an ample rind provides green armor for the treasure within.

Labor Day weekend carries bittersweet emotional significance. This weekend marks the close of official “summer” in our culture. We’re accustomed after Labor Day to look for leaves changing, temperatures dropping, and farmers harvesting. Though some schools have already started fall classes, this time still marks the customary divide between summer and school. For those fortunate enough to have the time and money, now is the last best chance to enjoy luxurious summer vacation before the industrious frenzy of fall activities sets in. Even those of us still in town this weekend enjoy time to rest and catch our breath, but the seasons are changing and the calendar is as well. Labor Day specifically honors and prepares for the season of work, by pausing work for an extra day in many—though not all—positions.